Being in the Santa Clarita Valley, in California, my whole life, I have found that there are many selections for top notch Japanese cuisine. Everyone loves sushi, right?! I wanted to take some time and write about the top five choices for sushi in the SCV. I have taken into account quality of sushi, value, service, and atmosphere, and have come up with the list that will most certainly have you going out for sushi this week.
5. Kyoto Sushi
I had the benefit of living in the apartment complex behind Kyoto for some time, and the sushi there is above average. It is centrally located and they have an all-you-can-eat option that most sushi joints offer to patrons. If you are going just strictly for rolls, the value of the sushi is not as good as you can get better quality rolls for the same price at other restaurants. The service is slow, but it is hard to find fast service for all-you-can-eat. The atmosphere is great in Kyoto -- the chefs will even drink with you, so buy them some sake and enjoy!
4. Wokano
For a somewhat larger chain, Wokano actually has very good sushi. The fish there are always extremely fresh, and they use different sauces for their sashimi that are out of this world. The downfall of Wokano is the price. You will most certainly make a dent in your wallet if you sit down and have dinner and drinks at this restaurant. The good thing is, you can have dinner and also enjoy the bar atmosphere afterwards.
3. Kabuki
It actually disappoints me that Kabuki is only No. 3 on this list, only due to the small fact they do not offer all-you-can-eat, which is a big deal, at least to me. However, they have phenomenal happy-hour deals that include all of the favorites. (spicy tuna, salmon, Alaskan, shrimp tempura, etc.) They offer an earlier happy hour, which is 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., and another late-night happy hour special after 9 p.m. The beer specials are great, and the bartenders as well! Shout-out to Lisa and Steph. If you are going to go, grab a tower of Sapporo and enjoy the sushi!
2. Baby Tuna
If you want to talk about fresh fish, and delicious sushi, you absolutely cannot overlook Baby Tuna. Bringing back the theme of all-you-can-eat, they have an extensive menu with many options. On top of this, if you ask the chefs to just make you the sushi the "chef's way," they will make you the most amazing fish you have ever tasted. One time, the chef made this piece of sushi that was spicy tuna in the middle, which was wrapped with shrimp, topped with a piece of tuna which they torched for a sear, and topped with avocado. We did not know what it was at first, but it may have been the most amazing-tasting thing we have ever had at sushi. They also have my favorite sauce, Yuzu, which very few sushi joints have. The only downside to this place is the service. A lot of the time, they only have one chef so it does take a while to get your food. If time is not an issue, I would definitely recommend Baby Tuna.
1. Shogun
You all had to know this was coming. Every time I try somewhere else, I always end up coming back to good ol' faithful. Reasonably priced, all-you-can-eat, fast service, and pretty much everything you can ask for in a sushi restaurant. The chefs are great and the drink prices are good. Since they have remodeled, the atmosphere has changed, and they have even added a bar area for more of a nightlife scene. If you go, you absolutely have to try the yellowtail with yuzu and jalapeño, which is my absolute favorite. Also, one of everyone's favorites, the tuna with avocado and chile oil. Every trip to Shogun leaves you wanting to come back. Even the chefs know it when they all shout "See you tomorrow!" as you are walking out the door.
I hope that you enjoyed this article, and if there is a great sushi place that I have left off this list, please let me know! See you all at sushi this week, I'm sure!
